If you are craving a warm, hearty dish that hugs you from the inside out, this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe is exactly what you need. It masterfully combines all the flavors of classic lasagna with the comforting ease of a soup. Imagine tender Italian sausage mingling with fragrant garlic and herbs, swimming in a rich tomato broth laden with creamy cheeses and broken lasagna noodles. Every spoonful delivers cheesy, garlicky goodness that tastes like your favorite Italian dinner in a cozy bowl. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a leisurely weekend, this recipe brings comfort and joy with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, yet essential ingredients is key to making this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe sing with flavor and texture. Each component plays an important role—from the savory sausage and fragrant herbs to the rich cheeses and hearty noodles, all blending seamlessly to create a satisfying meal.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps brown the sausage perfectly.
- Ground Italian sausage: Provides the dish’s meaty foundation and savory depth; choose mild or spicy depending on your heat preference.
- Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and a tender bite once sautéed.
- Garlic cloves: Infuse the soup with aromatic warmth and that signature garlicky punch.
- Dried basil: Offers subtle sweetness and classic Italian herb flavor.
- Dried oregano: Brings earthy, slightly peppery notes that enhance the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds just a hint of heat to awaken your palate.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
- Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and thickens the broth beautifully.
- Crushed tomatoes: Form the hearty, tangy base of the soup.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory liquid that complements the tomato and meat perfectly.
- Lasagna noodles: Broken into bite-sized pieces, they provide the satisfying pasta element.
- Heavy cream: Gives the soup a luscious, creamy texture.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey pockets of cheesy goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor depth.
- Ricotta cheese: Dolloped on top to add creamy richness.
- Fresh basil: A fresh, fragrant garnish that brightens every bowl.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the ground Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s nicely browned. This step develops rich flavor through caramelization. Next, toss in the diced yellow onion and sauté until translucent and tender, about 3 to 4 minutes. The onions add sweetness that balances the savory meat beautifully.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Base with Garlic and Herbs
Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds until the garlic releases its fragrant aroma. This herb and spice combo is the heartbeat of the soup, creating those unmistakable Italian flavors.
Step 3: Add Tomato Elements and Broth
Mix in tomato paste to coat the sausage and onions evenly—that concentrated tomato flavor is pure magic. Then pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture swiftly to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. This allows all the flavors to meld while preparing the soup’s rich, tangy base.
Step 4: Cook Pasta in the Soup
Add the broken lasagna noodles directly into the simmering pot. Let them cook for 10 to 12 minutes until tender but not mushy. Cooking the noodles right in the soup means they soak up all those savory juices, adding spectacular texture and substance.
Step 5: Stir in Cream and Melt Cheeses
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt into a velvety, creamy soup. This comforting finish transforms the dish into that luscious Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe we all crave.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the soup into bowls and crown each serving with a generous scoop of ricotta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh basil. These finishing touches add richness and freshness that elevate every bite.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a scoop of creamy ricotta cheese and fresh basil leaves brightens the dish both visually and flavor-wise. For an extra indulgence, don’t hesitate to sprinkle a little more Parmesan or even some crushed red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. These garnishes make the soup feel special and restaurant-worthy right at your own table.
Side Dishes
Serve this soup alongside warm, buttery cheesy garlic bread to really bring the full meal together. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette also pairs beautifully, providing a fresh, crisp contrast to the richness of the soup. If you want to keep things light and lovely, shaved fennel or roasted vegetables will do the trick.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress guests, consider serving the soup in individual bread bowls for that wow factor. Layer the ricotta and fresh basil as a drizzle or dollop to create eye-catching appeal. You can also offer an assortment of grated cheeses so everyone can customize their cheesy experience. No matter how you serve it, excitement is guaranteed with the Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe on your menu.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the soup taste even better the next day. Just keep in mind the noodles may absorb more liquid over time, so you might want to add a splash of broth when reheating.
Freezing
This soup freezes well, which is perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal ready to go. Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To avoid mushy noodles upon thawing, you can freeze the soup and noodles separately when possible, but it’s still delicious straight from the freezer either way.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent cheese from sticking or burning. Add a little extra broth or water if the soup feels too thick. Microwave reheating works too; just cover loosely and stop every minute or so to stir.
FAQs
Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth. You can add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for more texture and flavor. The cheeses and herbs keep the soup rich and satisfying without the meat.
What kind of sausage works best?
Traditional Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, works great here. It brings flavorful seasoning and a bit of fat that enriches the broth. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey sausage for a leaner option, but the flavor will be milder.
Can I use no-boil or oven-ready lasagna noodles?
Yes! No-boil lasagna noodles can be broken into pieces and added directly to the soup. They cook up quickly and save you a step, making this recipe even easier for busy nights.
How spicy is this soup?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that livens the dish without overpowering the other flavors. You can adjust the amount to your taste or leave it out entirely if you prefer no spice.
What’s the best way to serve this with garlic bread?
Warm up some fresh baguette or Italian bread spread with garlic butter and shredded mozzarella, then toast or broil until bubbly and golden. The combination of cheesy garlic bread next to this soup is pure comfort food bliss.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in search of a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe will quickly become a favorite go-to. It’s straightforward to make, bursting with rich Italian flavors, and perfectly cheesy and comforting. Grab your ingredients, invite your loved ones around, and savor this soul-satisfying soup that turns any meal into a celebration of cozy deliciousness.
Print
Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
Cheesy Garlic Bread Lasagna Soup is a hearty and comforting Italian-American dish combining the rich flavors of ground Italian sausage, aromatic herbs, tender lasagna noodles, and a creamy, cheesy tomato broth. This one-pot soup brings all the deliciousness of traditional lasagna into a warm, cozy bowl perfect for easy weeknight dinners or sharing with family.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 8 lasagna noodles, broken into pieces
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add ground Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to create crumbles.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced yellow onion to the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Aromatics and Spices: Stir in minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste: Add tomato paste to the pot and stir well to coat the sausage and onion mixture evenly.
- Add Liquids and Tomatoes: Pour in crushed tomatoes and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything.
- Simmer the Soup: Bring soup to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer gently.
- Cook Lasagna Noodles: Add broken lasagna noodles and cook for 10-12 minutes until noodles are tender but not mushy.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan into the soup until melted and creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Remove soup from heat. Ladle into bowls, top each serving with a scoop of ricotta cheese and garnish with fresh basil leaves.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
- Using oven-ready lasagna noodles can reduce cooking time since they don’t require precooking.
- Serve this soup alongside cheesy garlic bread for a complete and indulgent meal.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on preferred spice level.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop.
